By
SABC Sport
16th October 2026
Sunderland also secured a dramatic comeback win, scoring in stoppage time to beat Torreense 2-1 on Matchday 2.
Bournemouth 3-0 Sturm Graz
Bournemouth marked their first European home fixture with a convincing performance, securing their second consecutive victory in the competition.
The hosts started brightly, with Marcus Tavernier curling an effort against the outside of the post before Evanilson broke the deadlock with a superb looping header shortly before half-time.
Sturm Graz threatened to equalise after the break when Jurgen Heil struck the woodwork with a powerful effort just past the hour mark.
However, Bournemouth took control in the closing stages. Substitute Rayan turned the ball into the net following a corner to double their advantage before Alvaro Rodriguez converted a late penalty to complete a comfortable win.
Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace
Lyon claimed a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace in a five-goal encounter, recovering from a spirited second-half fightback by the English side.
The French team dominated much of the opening period and took the lead through Corentin Tolisso, who reacted quickest to finish from close range.
Ernest Nuamah then doubled Lyon's advantage in first-half stoppage time, converting Keito Nakamura's delivery to leave Palace with a difficult task after the break.
The visitors responded strongly, with Yeremy Pino reducing the deficit in the 50th minute after a well-worked set-piece routine.
Lyon restored their two-goal cushion when Pavel à ulc flicked the ball into the net, but Daichi Kamada gave Palace renewed hope with a goal in the 81st minute.
Palace pushed for an equaliser in the closing stages, and Chris Richards came close with a header. However, Lyon goalkeeper Dominik Greif produced an important save to preserve the home side's victory.
Torreense 1-2 Sunderland
Sunderland produced a late turnaround to defeat Portuguese second-tier side Torreense, with Noah Sadiki scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time.
Torreense took the lead in spectacular fashion in the 36th minute when defender Volnei Feltes surged forward from just inside his own half before unleashing a powerful long-range strike.
Sunderland responded by increasing the pressure after the interval. Goalkeeper Lucas Paes initially kept the hosts ahead with an impressive save from Nilson Angulo.
The Black Cats eventually found their equaliser when Jules Ahoka directed a downward header into the net from Nordi Mukiele's delivery.
With the match heading towards a draw, Granit Xhaka laid the ball off for Sadiki, who struck a superb half-volley to complete Sunderland's comeback and secure all three points.
Juventus, AC Milan and Leverkusen impress
Juventus left it late to secure a 2-1 victory away to Celta, with Randal Kolo Muani scoring the decisive goal in stoppage time to complete their comeback.
AC Milan also enjoyed an impressive evening, recording a 4-0 win at Salzburg. Alphadjo Cisse scored a hat-trick to help the Italian side get their campaign moving.
"I'm very pleased and I'll definitely carry this form into the next match," Cisse said.
Bayer Leverkusen delivered one of the night's most convincing performances, beating Lech Poznan 4-0 away from home. Omonia also secured a comfortable road victory, defeating Celje 3-0.
Elsewhere, Besiktas edged Hoffenheim 3-2, with Hyeongyu Oh scoring twice, while Olympiacos earned a 1-0 win over Marseille thanks to Santiago Hezze's goal.
Benfica recorded a commanding 4-1 victory against Celtic, while AZ Alkmaar, Ferencvaros, Jagiellonia and Rennes also collected wins.
Europa League Matchday 2 results
Sparta Praha 1-1 Lillestrom
AZ Alkmaar 2-1 Hapoel Beer-Sheva
Salzburg 0-4 AC Milan
Lech Poznan 0-4 Leverkusen
Celje 0-3 Omonia
Lyon 3-2 Crystal Palace
Union SG 1-1 Real Sociedad
Torreense 1-2 Sunderland
Bournemouth 3-0 Sturm Graz
Ferencvaros 2-1 Viktoria Plzen
GNK Dinamo 1-0 Anderlecht
Jagiellonia 3-1 Ararat-Armenia
N.E.C. 1-1 Levski Sofia
Marseille 0-1 Olympiacos
Celta 1-2 Juventus
Benfica 4-1 Celtic
Rennes 2-1 OFI Crete
Hoffenheim 2-3 Besiktas
